‘Knowledge of culture, traditions essential for learning a language’

ISLAMABAD: Chinese calligraphy epitomises enrichment and longevity of Chinese culture and art and learning this art enables students to get an easily access vast supply of knowledge that is centuries and generations old, said renowned Chinese calligrapher Huang Ao Jon.

He said this in a meeting with National University of Modern Languages (NUML) Director General Brigadier Azam Jamal during his visit to the university on Thursday.

“It is really a great admiration that NUML is using very latest method of teaching Chinese language, as a language cannot be learnt without learning the culture, traditions and particular manuscript of the language. Chinese art and calligraphy are so enriched that they introduce you to a vast supply of historical, cultural and literary knowledge of the Chinese society.”

The artist said he was always available to the Chinese and Confucius departments for the arrangement of calligraphy and art training sessions, workshops and even a separate department for students.

DG Brigadier Azam Jamal told the visiting guest that visit by veterans like him were always a source of great inspiration for the faculty members and students of Chinese and Confucius departments as they provided opportunity to learn more about the Chinese culture and art.

He said, “Chinese and Confucius departments at NUML hold events in which different competition on Chinese calligraphy, ancient poetry, prose, customs, foods and sports are arranged for students.”

“There are great diversity between Chinese and Pakistani cultures but cultural exchanges between both the countries help people of both the countries to learn more about each others’ culture,” he added.

Confucius Institute Vice President Zhang Daojian, Chinese Department Head He Xinghan, Administration Director Brig (r) Muhammad Tariq Qureshi and other officials of the university also attended the meeting.

Moreover, Huang Ao Jon also visited Confucius Institute where he was briefed on the institute, its functions and achievements. Huang Ao Jon also exhibited his calligraphic skills by writing a Chinese slogan and presented it to the DG. In the end, the DG presented him with the University Shield and gifts.